Ask Linda #47-when to post scores

Dear Linda,

It is my understanding that scores be posted in a timely manner. What does that mean, (especially as it applies to tournament eligibility) and please specifically address the posting of scores from an area, like Florida, in the winter, where your home course is closed for the season.
Thank You!
Lulu

Dear Lulu,

The USGA would like you to post your score at your course immediately following your round. This is the preferred timing for posting your scores. If you are unable to do so, then your score should be posted as soon as possible. If you miss the chance to post at your club, and your club permits internet posting, then you should post your score as soon as you get home. (I promise not to send the score-posting police to your door if you feed the cat, eat dinner, and walk the dog before you post your score!)

When you enter tournaments that are played under USGA rules, the expectation is that all competitors are adhering to the USGA-recommended policy of posting scores immediately after the round or as soon thereafter as practical.

Regarding posting winter scores, there have been two major changes to the handicap system this year, and this is one of them. You are now able (and expected) to post winter scores if you are playing golf where the season is active. Both the NJSGA and the GAP are now accepting scores from active areas and are updating handicaps monthly throughout the winter. You can post these scores at the course if they provide a computer for that service, or post via the GHIN.com site on the internet.

I was just about to refer you to “Ask Linda #36-New Handicap Rules” for a full explanation of the two significant changes to the 2008 handicap system, but I checked my blog and, lo and behold, that column was never posted! I will remedy that situation immediately by posting #36 today. Fortunately, I’m a rules pack rat, so I have that column saved in my files.

Linda

Copyright © 2008 Linda Miller